A PENSIONER was robbed of her handbag by three youths on pedal bikes.

The 92-year-old was walking in Brinkburn Crescent, Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, when the gang cycled up behind her.

Her bag was snatched from her hand and the youths, aged about 12, rode off towards the Welfare Fields.

The woman tried to give chase, but the gang escaped following the robbery, at 4.25pm on Monday.

Extremely distressed by her ordeal, she was only able to give police a brief description.

The youth who snatched the bag was wearing a long dark coat and grey woollen hat with a white stripe around the front.

Anyone with information is asked to call Houghton-le-Spring CID on 0191-454 7555.